Sheffield recount affirms Smith's victory in Selectmen's race

Posted
Friday, March 14, 2014 10:11 am

By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff

This article has been modified to correct details concerning the following information: Following a recount, Rene Wood defeated David Smith Jr. for a seat on the Sheffield Board of Selectmen in 2009. The following year, Smith won a three-year on the three-member board. The information was incorrect in Friday's Eagle.

SHEFFIELD - David Smith Jr. has officially returned to the Board of Selectmen.

After a recount on Thursday, Smith's victory over Martin Mitsoff in a special election two weeks ago was upheld, 487-480.

Mitsoff had requested the recount after originally losing by 11 votes, 489-478, on Feb. 24.

Smith fills the vacancy created by Ted Dobson who resigned from the board in December citing a lack of time to do the job. As last minute write in candidate, Dobson defeated then- incumbent Smith in last year's annual town election.

The nearly two-hour recount process saw neither candidate challenge any of the 968 ballots cast, including one blank, as eight volunteers tabulated the paper ballots by hand.

While Mitsoff only picked up two votes in the recount, he was still pleased with how local election officials handled conducted the event at Town Hall.

"It was a very meaningful process - much obliged," he said.

Afterward, Smith was glad his victory was vindicated with the help of all involved.

"We have a great town clerk, board of Registrar of Voters and volunteers, all taking the time to participate," he said.

Smith is now 1-1 in local recount elections.

In 2009, he initially won election to the Sheffield Board of Selectmen by a two-vote margin over challenger Rene Wood. But after a recount, that result was overturned, with Wood winning by two votes.

Smith won the selectman's race the following spring, serving a three-year term before losing to Dobson in May 2013.

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